Compression system for a bag

ABSTRACT

A compression system includes first and second channels extending along a first side of a bag. A first end of a first strap is disposed in the first channel and a second end is disposed in the second channel. The first strap has fasteners proximate each of the first channel and the second channel on the first side. Third and fourth channels extend along a second side of the bag. A first end of a second strap is disposed in the third channel and a second end is disposed in the fourth channel on the second side. The second strap has fasteners proximate each of the third channel and the fourth channel on the second side. The first and second straps are configured to compress the bag when portions of the first and second straps are pulled through the fasteners.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a bag for carrying objects, and, in particular, to a bag with a compression system for securing objects therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bags, such as duffle bags, backpacks, etc. are well known for use in carrying objects. Such bags often have straps secured to their exterior surface for carrying the bag, as well as for compressing the contents of the bag in order to keep the load from shifting, and to reduce the size of the bag to a proper size. Having such compression straps on the exterior of the bag increases the clutter on the exterior of the bag, and increases the chances of the compression straps getting caught on other objects.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bag with a compression system that reduces or overcomes some or all of the difficulties inherent in prior known devices. Particular objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of technology, in view of the following disclosure of the invention and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments.

SUMMARY

The principles of the invention may be used to advantage to provide a compression system for a bag that will allow a user to stabilize a load in the bag, thereby helping keep the load from shifting and holding it in place, while keeping the exterior of the bag free from clutter. In accordance with a first preferred embodiment, a compression system for a bag for carrying objects includes a bag having a first side, an opposed second side, a first end, an opposed second end, a bottom and a top. A first channel extends along an exterior of the first side of the bag. A second channel extends along an exterior of the first side of the bag and is spaced from the first channel. A first strap has a first end portion disposed in the first channel and a second end portion disposed in the second channel. An end of the first end portion of the first strap is secured to the bottom of the bag and an end of the second end portion of the first strap is secured to the bottom of the bag. A first fastener on the first strap is proximate the first channel on the first side. A second fastener on the first strap is proximate the second channel on the first side. A third channel extends along the exterior of the second side of the bag. A fourth channel extends along the exterior of the second side of the bag and is spaced from the third channel. A second strap has a first end portion disposed in the third channel on the second side and a second end portion disposed in the fourth channel on the second side. An end of the first end portion of the second strap is secured to the bottom of the bag and an end of the second portion of the second strap is secured to the bottom of the bag. A third fastener on the second strap is proximate the third channel. A fourth fastener on the second strap is proximate the fourth channel. The first and second straps are configured to compress the bag when a portion of the first and second end portions of the first and second straps are pulled through the fasteners.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment, a compression system for a bag for carrying objects includes a bag. A first channel extends along an exterior of the bag. A second channel extends along the exterior of the bag and is spaced from the first channel. A compression strap extends through the first channel and the second channel. A pair of first fasteners is positioned on the compression strap proximate corresponding first ends of the first channel and the second channel. A pair of second fasteners is positioned on the compression strap proximate corresponding second ends of the first channel and the second channel.

In accordance with a further embodiment, a compression system for a bag for carrying objects includes a bag having a first side, an opposed second side, a first end, an opposed second end, a bottom and a top. At least one first channel extends along an exterior of the bag. At least one second channel extends along an exterior of the bag and is spaced from the first channel. The bag has at least one strap having a first end portion disposed in a corresponding first channel and a second end portion disposed in a corresponding second channel. An end of the first end portion of the strap is secured to the bottom of the bag and an end of the second end portion of the strap is secured to the bottom of the bag. A first fastener on the strap is proximate the corresponding first channel. A second fastener on the strap is proximate the corresponding second channel. The at least one strap is configured to compress the bag when a portion of the first and second end portions of the strap are pulled through the fasteners.

Substantial advantage is achieved by providing a compression system for a bag. In particular, certain preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a compression system that is substantially hidden from view, allowing compression of the bag while keeping the exterior of the bag free from clutter.

These and additional features and advantages of the invention disclosed here will be further understood from the following detailed disclosure of certain preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first side of a bag in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second side of the bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, shown partially broken away, of an alternative embodiment of a strap and fastener of the bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a handle for a strap of the bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first side of a bag in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale and should be understood to provide a representation of the invention, illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the compression system for a bag depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings for similar or identical components and features shown in various alternative embodiments. Compression systems for bags as disclosed herein would have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and environment in which they are used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be embodied in various forms. A preferred embodiment of a bag 10 for carrying objects is shown in FIGS. 1-2. In the illustrated embodiment, bag 10 is a duffel bag. It is to be appreciated that many other types of bags that can be used to carry items are considered to be within the scope of the invention. Other exemplary bags include, but are not limited to, backpacks, messenger bags, book bags, tote bags, and purses.

Bag 10 includes a main compartment 11 having a closure panel 13 that provides access to main compartment 11. As illustrated here, a fastener such as a zipper 15 releasably secures closure panel 13 to bag 10, thereby allowing access to main compartment 11 while also allowing main compartment 11 to be closed. It is to be appreciated that other types of fasteners, including, for example, hook and loop fasteners or snaps, may be used to secure closure panel 13 and are considered to be within the scope of the present application. It is to be appreciated that bag 10 may have other compartments or pockets, at any location on bag 10, and even within main compartment 11. Bag 10 has a top 12, a bottom 14, a first side 16, an opposed second side 18, a first end 20 and an opposed second end 22.

A compression system 21 includes a first channel 24 extending along first side 16 and a second channel 26 extending along first side 16 and spaced from first channel 24. In a preferred embodiment, first channel 24 and second channel 26 are substantially parallel to one another. A third channel 28 extends along second side 18 with a fourth channel 30 extending along second side 18 and spaced from third channel 28. In a preferred embodiment, third channel 28 and fourth channel 30 are substantially parallel to one another.

In the illustrated embodiment, a piece of material 23 is positioned along first side 16 and secured along sides thereof to bag 10, proximate the junction of first side 16 and first and second ends 20, 22 by stitching or other suitable means. First channel 24 is formed by a pair of spaced apart lines of stitching 25 that secure material 23 to first side 16 of bag 10. Similarly, second channel 26 is formed by a pair of spaced apart lines of stitching 25 securing material 23 to first side 16 of bag 10.

The upper edge 29 of material 23 is not stitched to bag 10, thereby providing external pockets 31 on the exterior of first side 16. A fastener 27 may be used to secure a portion of the open upper edge 29 of material 23 to bag 10, thereby providing a closeable external pocket 31, such as that seen between first channel 24 and second channel 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the external pockets 31 formed outward of first channel 24 and second channel 26 do not have a fastener 27. It is to be appreciated that all, some, or none of the external pockets 31 can have fasteners 27. In the illustrated embodiment, fastener 27 is a hook and loop fastener. It is to be appreciated that fastener 27 may be any suitable fastener, e.g., a zipper or a snap.

A piece of material 33 is positioned on second side 18 and secured along sides thereof to bag 10 proximate the junction of second side 18 and first and second ends 20, 22 by stitching or other suitable means. Third channel 28 is formed by a pair of spaced apart lines of stitching 25. Similarly, fourth channel 30 is formed by a pair of spaced apart lines of stitching 25. The upper edge 37 of material 23 is not stitched to bag 10, thereby providing external pockets 39 on the exterior of second side 18. A fastener 35 may be used to secure a portion of the open upper edge 37 of material 33 to bag 10, thereby providing a closeable external pocket 39, such as that seen between third channel 28 and fourth channel 30. Additional external pockets 39 are formed outward of first channel 24 and second channel 26 between material 23 and first side 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the external pockets 39 formed outward of third channel 30 and fourth channel 26 do not have a fastener 35. It is to be appreciated that all, some, or none of the external pockets 39 can have fasteners 35. In the illustrated embodiment, fastener 35 is a hook and loop fastener. It is to be appreciated that fastener 35 may be any suitable fastener, e.g., a zipper or a snap.

In other preferred embodiments, each of first channel 24, second channel 26, third channel 28 and fourth channel 30 may be formed from a single length of material stitched along its opposed longitudinal edges to bag 10.

A first strap 32 has a first end 34 and a second end 36. A first end portion 38 of first strap 32 is received in first channel 24, with first end 34 secured to bag 10 by stitching or other suitable means within first channel 24. A second end portion 40 is received in second channel 26, with second end 36 secured to bag 10 by stitching or other suitable fastening means within second channel 26.

A second strap 42 has a first end 44 and a second end 46. A first end portion 48 of first strap 42 is received in third channel 28, with first end 44 secured to bag 10 by stitching or other suitable means within third channel 28. A second end portion 50 is received in fourth channel 30, with second end 46 secured to bag 10 by stitching or other suitable fastening means within fourth channel 30.

Although the illustrated embodiment shows both first strap 32 and second strap 42 used for compression of bag 10, it is to be appreciated that in certain preferred embodiments, a single strap, that is, either first strap 32 or second strap 42 may be used for compression of a portion of bag 10.

Although bag 10 as illustrated here has a substantially cylindrical shape, it is to be appreciated that the illustrated substantially cylindrically shaped bag 10 generally has sides as described above when viewed with respect to first and second straps 32, 42 as well as first through fourth channels 24, 26, 28, and 30. In other embodiments, bag 10 may have more clearly defined sides, a top and a bottom, such as would be found with a bag having a rectangular cross-section. It is to be appreciated that bag 10 may have any desired shape and that other shapes of bag 10 are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be appreciated that first channel 24 and second channel 26 may, in certain preferred embodiments extend onto bottom 14, with first end 34 and second end 36 of first strap 32 secured to bottom 14 within first and second channels 24, 26, respectively. Similarly, third channel 28 and fourth channel 30 may, in certain preferred embodiments extend onto bottom 14 such that first end 44 and second end 46 of second strap 42 may be secured to bottom 14 within third and fourth channels 28, 30, respectively.

A first fastener 52 is positioned on first strap 32 proximate first channel 24, and a second fastener 54 is positioned on first strap 32 proximate second channel 26. A third fastener 56 is positioned on second strap 42 proximate third channel 28, and a fourth fastener 58 is positioned on second strap 42 proximate fourth channel 30.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of first fastener 52, second fastener 54, third fastener 56 and fourth fastener 58 is a cam lock with a locking arm or lever 60. To operate the cam lock, lever 60 is pivoted outwardly, the strap is moved to a desired position with respect to the fastener, and then lever 60 is pivoted inwardly, thereby locking the strap with respect to the fastener in known fashion.

Another embodiment of a suitable fastener is seen in FIG. 3 as a ladder lock 62. The embodiment illustrated here is referred to as both a three bar ladder lock and a single bar ladder lock. Ladder lock 62 comprises three lateral bars 64 extending between two transverse bars 66, 68. As illustrated here, first strap 32 passes over the central lateral bar 64 and under the other lateral bars 64. An anchor strap 70 is secured at a first end 72 thereof and a second end 74 thereof to bag 10, with a central portion 76 of anchor strap 70 extending over the central lateral bar 64 beneath first strap 32. Anchor strap 70 serves to secure or anchor ladder lock 62 to bag 10, allowing first strap 32 (and the other straps as well) to act as a compressive strap on bag 10.

First strap 32 and second strap 42 allow bag 10 to be compressed by the user, allowing items in main compartment 11 to be more safely secured within bag 10, as well as reducing the volume of bag 10. In use, once main compartment 11 has been loaded with a desired number of objects or amount of material, the user compresses bag 10 by grasping each fastener and tightening the corresponding strap by pulling a portion of that strap through the respective fastener. Thus, for example, as seen in FIG. 1, to tighten first strap 32, the user grasps first fastener 52 with one hand and pulls first strap 32 through first fastener 52, shortening the length of the portion of first strap 32 between first end 34 and first fastener 52. In the embodiment illustrated here, where first fastener 52 is a cam lock, it is to be appreciated that before first strap 32 can be pulled through first fastener 52, locking lever 60 of the cam lock must be in its released or open position. Naturally, once first strap 32 has been pulled through cam lock 52 a desired amount, locking lever 60 can be returned to its locked or closed position, thereby securing first strap in this desired position.

The user can then grasp second fastener 54 and pull on first strap 32 such that first strap 32 passes through second fastener 54, shortening the length of the portion of first strap 32 that extends between second end 36 and second fastener 54. Second strap 42 can be tightened in similar fashion by grasping third fastener 56 and pulling second strap 42 therethrough, and grasping fourth fastener 58 and pulling second strap 42 therethrough. It is to be appreciated that the fasteners and corresponding straps can be tightened, and subsequently loosened, in any desired order.

When a ladder lock 62 is used, as seen in FIG. 3, the user simply holds ladder lock 62 and pulls first strap 32 through ladder lock 62 to a desired position. The friction of first strap 32 within ladder lock 62 prevents first strap 32 from inadvertently working its way free.

In a preferred embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 1-2, a cushioned handle 78 is provided on first strap 32 and second strap 42. Handle 78 serves to secure a portion of first strap 32 to a portion of second strap 42, thereby providing a convenient carrying place for the user, as well as providing padding for the user's comfort.

A preferred embodiment of handle 78 is illustrated in FIG. 4. Handle 78 comprises a piece of sleeve 80 having a pad 82 secured thereto by stitching 84 or other suitable fastening means. In the illustrated embodiment, a fastener such as strap 86 extends around pad 82 with a fastener 90 securing opposed ends of strap 86 together, thereby allowing first strap 32 and second strap 42 to be captured adjacent pad 82. In a preferred embodiment, fastener 90 is a hook and loop fastener.

In the illustrated embodiment, sleeve 80 is a piece of material folded over and secured to itself with a handle fastener 92. Handle fastener 92 serves to secure opposed first and second edges 94, 96 of sleeve 80 to one another, thereby further securing first and second straps 32, 42 within handle 78. In the illustrated embodiment, a first portion 98 of a hook and loop fastener is secured along first edge 94 on a first side 99 of sleeve 80, while a second portion 100 of the hook and loop fastener is secured along second edge 96 on an opposed second side 101 of sleeve 80. Thus, after first and second straps 32, 42 are positioned adjacent pad 82 and secured thereto with strap 86, sleeve 80 is wrapped about first and second straps 32, 42 and secured to itself in overlapping fashion with fastener 92.

It is to be appreciated that in certain preferred embodiments, a handle 78 may be secured to each of first strap 32 and second strap 42. In such an embodiment, the user may carry bag 10 like a backpack with first strap 32 and second strap 42 acting as shoulder straps and handles 78 providing padding for the user's shoulders.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 in which rather than a pair of straps, a single strap 110 can be used on bag 10. A first channel 112 extends about an exterior of bag 10 and a second channel 114 extending along the exterior of bag 10 and spaced from first channel 112. In a preferred embodiment, first channel 112 and second channel 114 are substantially parallel to one another. First channel 112 and second channel 114 may be formed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to first channel 24 and second channel 26.

Strap 110 extends through first channel 112 and second channel 114. In such and embodiment, strap 110 is preferably secured to bottom 14 of bag 10 within first channel 112 and second channel 114 by stitching (not shown) or other suitable means. A pair of first fasteners 116 is positioned on strap 110 proximate a first end 118 of first channel 112 and a first end 120 of second channel 114, respectively. A corresponding pair of second fasteners (not seen here) is positioned on strap 110 proximate a second end of first channel 112 and a second end 120 of second channel 114, respectively.

In light of the foregoing disclosure of the invention and description of the preferred embodiments, those skilled in this area of technology will readily understand that various modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. All such modifications and adaptations are intended to be covered by the following claims. 

1. A compression system for a bag for carrying objects comprising, in combination: a bag having a first side, an opposed second side, a first end, an opposed second end, a bottom and a top; a first channel extending along an exterior of the first side of the bag; a second channel extending along an exterior of the first side of the bag and spaced from the first channel; a first strap having a first end portion disposed in the first channel and a second end portion disposed in the second channel, an end of the first end portion of the first strap secured to the bottom of the bag and an end of the second end portion of the first strap secured to the bottom of the bag; a first fastener on the first strap proximate the first channel on the first side; a second fastener on the first strap proximate the second channel on the first side; a third channel extending along the exterior of the second side of the bag; a fourth channel extending along the exterior of the second side of the bag and spaced from the third channel; a second strap having a first end portion disposed in the third channel on the second side and a second end portion disposed in the fourth channel on the second side, an end of the first end portion of the second strap secured to the bottom of the bag and an end of the second portion of the second strap secured to the bottom of the bag; a third fastener on the second strap proximate the third channel; and a fourth fastener on the second strap proximate the fourth channel; wherein the first and second straps are configured to compress the bag when a portion of the first and second end portions of the first and second straps are pulled through the fasteners.
 2. The compression system of claim 1, wherein the fasteners are cam locks.
 3. The compression system of claim 1, wherein the fasteners are ladder locks.
 4. The compression system of claim 1, further comprising a handle, with a length of the first strap between the first and second fasteners on the first strap and a length of the second strap between the first and second fasteners on the second strap being captured by the handle.
 5. The compression system of claim 4, wherein the handle includes a sleeve through which the first strap and second strap pass.
 6. The compression system of claim 5, wherein the sleeve comprises a piece of material folded over onto itself and secured to itself with a fastener.
 7. The compression system of claim 6, wherein the fastener is a hook and loop fastener.
 8. The compression system of claim 6, wherein the sleeve includes a pad.
 9. The compression system of claim 8, wherein the pad is positioned within the sleeve.
 10. The compression system of claim 9, further comprising a fastening strap extending about the pad and a fastener on the fastening strap to secure the fastening strap to itself, the fastening strap configured to wrap around the first and second straps.
 11. The compression system of claim 9, wherein the fastener on the fastening strap is a hook and loop fastener.
 12. The compression system of claim 1, wherein the second channel on the first side is substantially parallel to the first channel on the first side.
 13. The compression system of claim 1, wherein the fourth channel on the second side is substantially parallel to the third channel on the second side.
 14. The compression system of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third and fourth channels are secured to the exterior surface of the bag by stitching.
 15. The compression system according to claim 1, wherein the ends of the first and second portions of the first strap and the ends of the first and second portions of the second strap are secured to the bag with stitching.
 16. The compression system according to claim 1, wherein the bag includes a main compartment, a closure panel providing access to the main compartment, and a fastener to secure the closure panel to the bag.
 17. The compression system of claim 16, wherein the fastener is a zipper.
 18. The compression system of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third and fourth channels are formed by corresponding spaced apart lines of stitching securing corresponding pieces of material to the exterior of the bag.
 19. The compression system of claim 18, further comprising a pocket between the first and second channels on the first side and a pocket between the third and fourth channels on the second side, the pockets being formed between the piece of material and the bag.
 20. The compression system of claim 19, further comprising a fastener releasably securing an upper edge of the pocket to the bag.
 21. A compression system for a bag for carrying objects comprising, in combination: a bag; a first channel extending along an exterior of the bag; a second channel extending along the exterior of the bag and spaced from the first channel; a compression strap extending through the first channel and the second channel; a pair of first fasteners positioned on the compression strap proximate corresponding first ends of the first channel and the second channel; a pair of second fasteners positioned on the compression strap proximate corresponding second ends of the first channel and the second channel.
 22. The compression system of claim 21, wherein the fasteners are cam locks.
 23. The compression system of claim 21, wherein the fasteners are ladder locks.
 24. The compression system of claim 21, further comprising a handle, with a length of the first strap between the first and second fasteners on the first strap and a length of the second strap between the first and second fasteners on the second strap captured by the handle.
 25. The compression system of claim 24, wherein the handle includes a sleeve through which the first strap and second strap pass.
 26. The compression system of claim 25, wherein the sleeve comprises a piece of material folded over onto itself and secured to itself with a fastener.
 27. The compression system of claim 26, wherein the fastener is a hook and loop fastener.
 28. The compression system of claim 26, wherein the sleeve includes a pad.
 29. The compression system of claim 28, wherein the pad is positioned within the sleeve.
 30. The compression system of claim 29, further comprising a fastening strap extending about the pad and a fastener on the fastening strap to secure the fastening strap to itself, the fastening strap configured to wrap around the first and second straps.
 31. The bag according to claim 21, wherein the second channel is substantially parallel to the first channel.
 32. A compression system for a bag for carrying objects comprising, in combination: a bag having a first side, an opposed second side, a first end, an opposed second end, a bottom and a top; at least one first channel extending along an exterior of the bag; at least one second channel extending along an exterior of the bag and spaced from the first channel; at least one strap having a first end portion disposed in a corresponding first channel and a second end portion disposed in a corresponding second channel, an end of the first end portion of the strap secured to the bottom of the bag and an end of the second end portion of the strap secured to the bottom of the bag; a first fastener on the strap proximate the corresponding first channel; a second fastener on the strap proximate the corresponding second channel; wherein the at least one strap is configured to compress the bag when a portion of the first and second end portions of the strap are pulled through the fasteners.
 33. The compression system of claim 32, wherein the fasteners are cam locks.
 34. The compression system of claim 32, wherein the fasteners are ladder locks. 